We Were Liars

The Trauma of Tragedy: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in E. Lockhart’s “We Were Liars”
E. Lockhart’s young adult novel “We Were Liars” (2014) tells the story of Cadence Sinclair and her wealthy family who summer together on their private island every year. However, a mysterious event in Cadence’s past has left her with gaps in her memory and long-lasting psychological effects. Through analyzing Cadence’s thoughts, behaviors, and the clues provided in the text, it becomes clear she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from an accidental fire she started that killed her family.
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic or terrifying event (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, and feelings of intense fear, horror or helplessness (Bryant & Guthrie, 2007). In the novel, Cadence expresses having nightmares about the fire and avoids discussing what happened that summer. She struggles with intrusive memories and dissociates from traumatic thoughts and emotions. For example, on one occasion Cadence thinks “I felt like I was floating outside of myself…It was the only way I knew how not to feel what I was feeling” (Lockhart, 2014, p. 104). This dissociation is a hallmark symptom of PTSD.
Cadence’s PTSD has also manifested in depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse issues and relationship problems over the years following the tragedy (Kessler, 2000). She abuses prescription pills to cope with her emotional pain and nightmares. Her trauma has made it difficult to fully bond with others or feel worthy of love and care. Cadence pushes away her cousin Johnny, the only other survivor, due to guilt and shame over what happened. These interpersonal struggles are common for individuals with long-term, unresolved PTSD (Bryant & Guthrie, 2007).
In conclusion, through close analysis of Cadence’s thoughts, behaviors, and the contextual clues provided throughout “We Were Liars,” it is evident she suffers from chronic PTSD stemming from the accidental fire that killed her family years prior. Her symptoms of flashbacks, nightmares, dissociation, depression and relationship issues align directly with the clinical criteria for PTSD. Lockhart’s novel sheds light on the long-lasting psychological scars that can result from trauma, and how tragedy does not discriminate in who it affects. With time and treatment, individuals like Cadence can work to process painful events and regain a sense of control over their lives.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Bryant, R. A., & Guthrie, R. M. (2007). Maladaptive self-appraisals before trauma exposure predict posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 75(5), 812–815. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.75.5.812
Kessler, R. C. (2000). Posttraumatic stress disorder: The burden to the individual and to society. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 61(suppl 5), 4–12.
Lockhart, E. (2014). We were liars. Delacorte Press.